Roku unveils "most compact streaming sticks on the market," don't require a power outlet

What just happened? Roku has introduced two new streaming sticks that it says are not only the smallest available today, but are also more power efficient than most rivals. The sticks can be powered by the USB port alone on the majority of TVs, meaning you don't need a spare outlet to use one. Both models and their remotes are mostly identical. Roku claims they are the most compact sticks on the market, measuring over 35 percent smaller than other brands – it never specified which ones – without compromising their performance or speed. Considering the rear ports of most people's TVs are packed with cables, anything that saves space is welcome. And there's little risk of them blocking unused HDMI ports. The other big feature is that the sticks can be powered by most TVs' USB ports using a separate cable, so you don't have to plug them into a power outlet. Roku is pushing the sticks' portability. According to its research, 74% of viewers want to be able to watch their go-to shows or p ... Read full article.